More than 90 youth between the ages of eight and 18 have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to prepare for Spotlight Youth Theater's upcoming run of "Hairspray." Set in 1962, the musical follows lovable, plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad, who has only one desire -- to dance on Baltimore's popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from a social outcast to an overnight star. Armed with her newfound power, she sets out to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, huge tasks for a mere teenager.

The original Tony Award-winning Broadway production ran for several years and garnered eight Tony Awards. As with the original show, Spotlight's musical features toe-tapping, 1960s-style dance songs and moving rhythm and blues music. However, some of the lyrics of the original tunes have been changed to make the Spotlight show more suitable for all ages.

The run of "Hairspray" includes a total of eight performances, including two school day shows the morning of Thursday, May 1. There will be additional performances on May 2 and 3, with the run of the musical concluding the following week with one show on May 9 and two shows on May 10.

Spotlight Youth Theater is an after-school theater arts program that offers classes throughout DuPage- and Cook Counties, among others. Classes are open to kids five to 18 years old and cover such topics as voice, dance, drama, comedy and improv. Fun, week-long summer camps are also offered in all regions, as well, and culminate in an entertaining end-of-the-week showcase.

For more information on Spotlight's upcoming "Hairspray" production, or to obtain information about upcoming summer camps, please visit the organization's website at www.spotlight.org.